Estimate vs. Expected — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
"Estimate" refers to a rough calculation or informed guess, while "Expected" indicates anticipation based on reasoning or probability.
Difference Between Estimate and Expected
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Estimate is often used to denote an approximate calculation or judgment, where precision is not paramount. It suggests a tentative evaluation based on available information. Expected, on the other hand, implies a level of anticipation or presumption about an outcome, often based on past data or logical projections. It conveys a sense of predictability.
When we use the term Estimate, it implies a degree of uncertainty or approximation. It's about making an educated guess when exact data is unavailable. Expected leans more towards likely outcomes or results, often grounded in statistical or experiential evidence. It denotes what is considered likely or probable.
In the context of planning or forecasting, Estimate is used to suggest a tentative figure or outcome, acknowledging potential variances. Expected carries more weight of certainty, indicating what is considered standard or normal under given circumstances. It reflects a stronger belief in the outcome.
In the realm of business or project management, an Estimate often serves as a preliminary figure, subject to change as more information becomes available. Expected, however, is used to communicate outcomes or results that are anticipated based on current knowledge and trends.
Estimate can also be a verb, meaning to make an approximate judgment or calculation. Expected functions differently; as a verb, it means to regard something as likely to happen. These distinct grammatical roles highlight the nuanced differences in their usage and connotations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A rough or approximate calculation.
An anticipation or belief about what will happen.
Certainty Level
Generally low, implies approximation.
Relatively high, implies likelihood.
Usage in Planning
Used for tentative figures or predictions.
Used for likely outcomes based on data or trends.
Verb Function
To make an approximate judgment.
To regard something as likely to happen.
Nature
More speculative, less definitive.
More predictive, suggesting certainty.
Compare with Definitions
Estimate
To form an opinion about something without having exact details.
She estimated that the journey would take two hours.
Expected
Anticipated or regarded as likely to happen.
The expected outcome of the experiment was positive.
Estimate
To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.
I estimate the crowd to be around 2,000 people.
Expected
To regard something as probable or likely.
We expected the meeting to last an hour.
Estimate
A statement of the approximate charge for work to be done.
I received an estimate from the painter for the living room.
Expected
Considered standard, usual, or normal.
The expected attire for the event is formal.
Estimate
To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something).
Expected
To look forward to or await.
The children expected Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Estimate
To form an opinion about; evaluate
"While an author is yet living we estimate his powers by his worst performance" (Samuel Johnson).
Expected
To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of
Expecting a phone call.
Expects rain on Sunday.
Estimate
A tentative evaluation or rough calculation, as of worth, quantity, or size
An estimate of the damage caused by the storm.
Expected
To consider likely or certain
Expect to see them soon. See Usage Note at anticipate.
Estimate
A statement of the approximate cost of work to be done, such as a building project or car repairs.
Expected
To consider reasonable or due
We expect an apology.
Estimate
A judgment based on one's impressions; an opinion
I have a high estimate of his character.
Expected
To consider obligatory; require
The school expects its pupils to be on time.
Estimate
A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.
Expected
(Informal) To presume; suppose.
Estimate
(construction and business) A document (or verbal notification) specifying how much a job is likely to cost.
Expected
To be pregnant. Used in progressive tenses
My wife is expecting again.
Estimate
An upper limitation on some positive quantity.
Expected
Anticipated; thought to be about to arrive or occur
The expected storm never arrived.
Estimate
To calculate roughly, often from imperfect data.
Expected
Simple past tense and past participle of expect
Estimate
To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data.
Expected
Considered likely or probable to happen or arrive;
Prepared for the expected attack
Estimate
To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data, - either the extrinsic (money), or intrinsic (moral), value; to fix the worth of roughly or in a general way; as, to estimate the value of goods or land; to estimate the worth or talents of a person.
It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of the piece, that men estimate commodities and exchange them.
It is always very difficult to estimate the age in which you are living.
Expected
Looked forward to as probable
Estimate
To from an opinion of, as to amount,, number, etc., from imperfect data, comparison, or experience; to make an estimate of; to calculate roughly; to rate; as, to estimate the cost of a trip, the number of feet in a piece of land.
Expected
Expected to become or be; in prospect;
Potential clients
Expected income
Estimate
A valuing or rating by the mind, without actually measuring, weighing, or the like; rough or approximate calculation; as, an estimate of the cost of a building, or of the quantity of water in a pond.
Weigh success in a moral balance, and our whole estimate is changed.
No; dear as freedom is, and in my heart'sJust estimation prized above all price.
Expected
In line with predictions or beliefs about the future.
The weather was exactly as expected—sunny and warm.
Estimate
An approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth;
An estimate of what it would cost
A rough idea how long it would take
Estimate
A judgment of the qualities of something or somebody;
Many factors are involved in any estimate of human life
In my estimation the boy is innocent
Estimate
A document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
Estimate
A statement indicating the likely cost of some job;
He got an estimate from the car repair shop
Estimate
The respect with which a person is held;
They had a high estimation of his ability
Estimate
Judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time);
I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds
Estimate
Judge to be probable
Estimate
An approximate calculation or judgment.
The contractor gave us an estimate of $5000 for the repairs.
Estimate
An educated guess based on available information.
His estimate of the situation was surprisingly accurate.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when something is "expected" in social situations?
It implies that something is anticipated or considered normal, like expected behavior at a formal event.
What does "estimate" mean in a financial context?
In finance, an estimate often refers to an approximate calculation of costs or revenues.
Is estimating a skill?
Yes, estimating accurately often requires skill and experience.
Can "expected" be used in a scientific context?
Yes, "expected" is often used to describe anticipated results in experiments or studies.
In project management, what is an "expected outcome"?
It's a result or effect that is considered likely based on project planning.
How accurate is an estimate typically?
An estimate is inherently approximate and can vary in accuracy.
Is an estimate always numerical?
No, an estimate can be a general approximation and isn't always expressed in numbers.
Can "expected" imply obligation?
Yes, sometimes "expected" can imply something is required or obligatory.
Does "expected" always mean something will definitely happen?
Not always. While it implies likelihood, it doesn't guarantee occurrence.
Can an estimate be revised?
Yes, estimates are often updated as more information becomes available.
Is there a difference between a guess and an estimate?
Yes, an estimate is typically more informed and based on some data or logic.
Does "expected" have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its implications can vary in social, business, or scientific contexts.
How do companies use estimates in budgeting?
Companies use estimates to predict expenses and revenues for financial planning.
Can "expected" refer to past events?
It's primarily used for future events, but can sometimes refer to past events in hindsight.
Are estimates important in engineering?
Yes, estimates are crucial in engineering for planning, budgeting, and risk assessment.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
